How to configure Primary and Secondary DNS Server

A forward lookup zone is simply a way to resolve host names to IP addresses. A reverse lookup zone allows a DNS server to discover the DNS name of the host. Basically, it is the exact opposite of a forward lookup zone. A reverse lookup zone is not required, but it is easy to configure and will allow for your Windows Server 2008 Server to have full DNS functionality.

When selecting a DNS zone type, you have the following options: Active Directory (AD) Integrated, Standard Primary, and Standard Secondary. AD Integrated stores the database information in AD and allows for secure updates to the database file. This option will appear only if AD is configured. If it is configured and you select this option, AD will store and replicate your zone files.

A Standard Primary zone stores the database in a text file. This text file can be shared with other DNS servers that store their information in a text file. Finally, a Standard Secondary zone simply creates a copy of the existing database from another DNS server. This is primarily used for load balancing.

To open the DNS server configuration tool:
1.Select DNS from the Administrative Tools folder to open the DNS console.
2.Highlight your computer name and choose Action | Configure a DNS Server… to launch the Configure DNS Server Wizard.
3.Click Next and choose to configure the following: forward lookup zone, forward and reverse lookup zone, root hints only (Figure E).
4.Click Next and then click Yes to create a forward lookup zone (Figure F).
5.Select the appropriate radio button to install the desired Zone Type (Figure G).
6.Click Next and type the name of the zone you are creating.
7.Click Next and then click Yes to create a reverse lookup zone.
8.Repeat Step 5.
9.Choose whether you want an IPv4 or IPv6 Reverse Lookup Zone (Figure H).
10.Click Next and enter the information to identify the reverse lookup zone (Figure I).
11.You can choose to create a new file or use an existing DNS file (Figure J).
12.On the Dynamic Update window, specify how DNS accepts secure, nonsecure, or no dynamic updates.
13.If you need to apply a DNS forwarder, you can apply it on the Forwarders window. (Figure K).
14.Click Finish (Figure L).